Taxi Driver Online

Cab driver to be charged with assault
WebPosted Dec 6 2004 11:31 AM EST

FREDERICTON — A Fredericton taxi driver is facing assault charges after he stopped two customers from running away without paying their fare.

The driver dropped off two men in their early twenties in an alley on Queen Street early Sunday morning. When they bolted without paying, the driver sped after them and allegedly pinned them against a wall with his car.

Fredericton police say one man was taken to hospital with leg injuries and the driver is facing assault charges.

Checker Cab owner George Youssef says he doesn't know the driver, but that he understands the frustration. "I'm kind of surprised that it went to that point, but what has happened is most of the drivers are experiencing that a little too often lately."

Youssef says it's becoming common on the weekends for cab customers to accept a ride and then try to get away without paying. He says it happens most often with younger patrons who have had too much to drink.

He says it tends to get worse as Christmas approaches, when money is tight for patrons and drivers. "The cabbie is usually out the money and sometimes, if it's a long fare $10 or $15, it could represent 20 or 25 per cent of his income for the day."

Loyal Taxi and Budget Cab owners say the accused driver doesn't work for their company, either. But their drivers are also accustomed to having people run off without paying.

Youssef says if cabbies want to protect their income and avoid more potentially violent confrontations, they may have to start asking for fares up front.

Cab drivers in Moncton have long complained that they are targets for thieves and other types of crimes. Drivers have lobbied the police for more protection and some are refusing to work night shifts because they think it's too dangerous.

In July, a young mother was robbed and shot to death while working an overnight shift in Dieppe. Two men have been charged with second degree murder in connection with her death.


Same sh*t different continent

Regards

Captain cab

Police Beat: Man on highway. reports say that isn't smart
Tempe police reported the following incidents Monday:

A 31-year-old Tempe man was arrested and charged with assault Saturday near the intersection of Scottsdale and McKellips roads. The man who identified himself as a radio disc jockey was charged with assault after he allegedly struck a cab driver multiple times in the face causing him to fall to the ground. Police said the fight started over a cab fare.

A 28-year-old Tempe man was arrested on a charge of obstructing a public highway Sunday near the intersection of the U.S. 60 and Rural Road. The suspect reportedly stood in the northbound lane and caused vehicles stop and swerve. Police allegedly discovered a white crystalline substance on the suspect during a search, which the suspect reportedly identified as crystal methamphetamine. The man was charged with possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia after police said they also found a glass pipe on the suspect.


same crap different continent

regards

Captain cab

Give the man a medal as big as a bucket not a criminal record.